Hey John, its clear you are pretty eager to pick up all your gear. If you don't mind me asking, why the rush? I'm not judging by any means but simply trying to understand the thought process so I (we) can help you on your journey by sharing our knowledge and experience to ensure you remain safe.

I started lessons with John Alden, in Jan 2012. In October I'll be 46. I experience my first soaring flight in June of the same year. Don't know how old you are but I wouldn't be too concerned about being an "older newbie".

Oh by the way, if you use an android phone check out XCSoar from Google play. It will convert your phone into a pretty sophisticated glide computer and vario. Cost: $0.00

You can, however there's a small catch. Most tablets only have a GPS sensor. XCSoar does works with GPS only, but it's laggy since GPS won't give you the kind of resolution a barometric sensor based vario would.

One potential work around is to use an android phone, which has a barometer and have it transmit GPS and barometric pressure data over Bluetooth in NMEA format to the tablet... and yes, there's an app for that :)

Sri,
Thanks for all the info. I already downloaded that app on my LG Vigor...seemed laggy. I don't believe this phone has a barometer so id have to get a blue tooth baro from what I've learned. The feedback I've read confirms my thoughts about "App Accuracy" being poor. Oh and please don't mistake my "eager to learn" approach as being in a "rush". I was recognized by a national construction organization for my safety excellence as well as my commitment to keep those who work for me safe. The industry I work in is one of the most dangerous occupations in the nation. Safety is always first....

I'll be 42 this October....I've always wanted to fly just never knew it was possible in Ohio and never had the "drive to fly" until I realized the opportunity is available.